Simpson 2-1/2" Cedar and Redwood Decking Nail in Type 316 Stainless Steel is engineered specifically for cedar and redwood deck board installations where corrosion resistance and long-term holding power are essential. Made by Simpson Strong-Tie and manufactured in the United States, this 12-gauge, 8d ring-shank nail features an annular ring shank that dramatically increases withdrawal resistance - keeping deck boards firmly in place and reducing the chance of nail heads popping up over years of seasonal movement. The full round head with a checkered pattern sits low and blends naturally with wood grain, making it an ideal fastening solution for exterior decking projects exposed to moisture, UV, and heavy foot traffic.

Key Features

• Type 316 Stainless Steel material - provides superior corrosion resistance compared to standard stainless, making this nail well-suited for seaside and coastal environments where saltwater exposure is a concern
• Annular ring shank - dramatically increases withdrawal resistance so deck boards stay secured over time, reducing nail pop-up caused by wood expansion and contraction
• Full round head with checkered pattern - the checker design blends with wood grain and reduces glare from sunlight, keeping the finished deck surface clean and visually consistent
• Compact 7/32" head diameter - the smaller head profile is less visible against the deck surface, producing a cleaner, more finished appearance after installation
• Slender 0.113" shank diameter - reduces wood splitting when nailing at board ends, allowing placement closer to edges without cracking cedar or redwood
• Diamond point - drives more easily through dense cedar and redwood fibers, reducing installer effort and the risk of deflection
• 12 gauge construction - provides substantial nail strength appropriate for structural deck board fastening applications
• Approximately 145 nails per pound - helps with accurate quantity estimation when planning decking projects of any size

Why This Product

• Designed for cedar and redwood specifically - the annular ring shank and slender profile address the real challenges of fastening softer, end-grain-sensitive decking species, where standard smooth-shank nails often back out or split the wood
• Type 316 stainless steel for harsh outdoor environments - when standard galvanized or 304 stainless nails corrode from salt air, tannins in cedar and redwood, or chemical exposure, Type 316 holds up - making it the appropriate choice for coastal decks and chemically treated environments
• Low-profile checkered head reduces visual impact - the compact, patterned head sits flush and disappears into the wood grain, which matters on finish-quality cedar and redwood decking where aesthetics are part of the project goal
• Made in the United States by Simpson Strong-Tie - a brand with an established reputation for structural fasteners, providing confidence in dimensional consistency and material compliance across the full range of fastening applications

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Length: 2-1/2 in.
• Gauge: 12
• Penny Size: 8d
• Material: Type 316 Stainless Steel
• Finish: Type 316 Stainless Steel
• Shank Type: Annular-Ring Shank
• Shank Diameter: 0.113 in.
• Head Type: Full Round Head
• Head Diameter: 7/32 in.
• Head Pattern: Checkered
• Point Type: Diamond Point
• Approx. Count Per Lb: 145
• Country of Origin: United States

Available Pack Options

• T8CRD1: 1 Lb (145)
• T8CRD5: 5 Lb (725)
• T8CRDB: 25 Lb (3625)

Approved Applications

• Fastening Wood-to-Wood
• Decks - Deck Boards Wood

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Type 316 stainless steel recommended for cedar and redwood decking?

Cedar and redwood contain natural tannins and oils that can accelerate corrosion in lower-grade metals. Type 316 stainless steel offers superior resistance to these tannins as well as to salt air and moisture, making it the appropriate choice for exterior decking - especially in coastal or high-humidity environments where lesser materials would corrode and stain the wood.

What does the annular ring shank do that a smooth-shank nail does not?

The annular ring shank features ridges along the shaft that grip the wood fibers as the nail is driven. This significantly increases withdrawal resistance - the force required to pull the nail back out. Over time, as cedar and redwood deck boards expand and contract with seasonal moisture changes, smooth-shank nails can back out and create raised nail heads. The ring shank resists this movement, keeping deck boards flat and secure.

Can this nail be used at board ends without splitting the wood?

Yes. The slender 0.113" shank diameter is specifically designed to reduce splitting when nailing into cedar and redwood at board ends or edges. The diamond point also assists by piercing wood fibers more cleanly during driving, further minimizing the risk of cracking - which is a common concern with denser or larger-diameter fasteners in these wood species.

Is this nail compatible with standard hammer driving, or does it require pneumatic tools?

This is a hand-drive nail suited for use with a standard hammer. The diamond point aids in easier manual driving through cedar and redwood. The product data notes that hammer caps are recommended for painted-head nail variants. For standard Type 316 stainless steel versions as described here, conventional hammer driving is appropriate for deck board fastening applications.

Note: Product dimensions may differ from picture.